Xiaomi's L05G smart speaker is now purchsable globally for an affordable price. Not only does the smart speaker support IR remote controls, it also has Google Chromecast built-in for Google Assistant functionality.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Xiaomi-Smart-Speaker-with-IR-control-Google-Assistant-and-Chromecast-is-now-orderable-globally.611070.0.html